The 17th Running of The Queens Plate Stakes
Sunday, August 21, 2022
WO Race #5 $1,000.000
Canadian-Bred 3YOs 123 Lbs 11/4
Track Record-1:59.56 (The Windy City-2012)
Stakes Record-2:00.76 (Freddo Cappuccino-2021)
Ey Mon is building a pretty strong resume for his sophomore campaign. A narrow runner-up in the G1 PRK, he didn’t fire in the G1 BEL, but he made amends in Sunday’s $1,000.000 Queens Plate with a decisive one-length score in the signature race of the WO meet. For his career, the Arindel-trainee has amassed an 11-3-4-1 record with a robust $1,322.580 in earnings and has some lucrative options in front of him. He could continue down the Canadian Triple Crown path or he could try to qualify for the BC; however, he won’t be able to do both as only one path awards BC points.
Away in good order from stall 10, Ey Mon was able to get to the rail while racing in 6th by the time he entered the first turn about six lengths off of the pace-disputing duo of Grouse Mountain and Bruddafrmanuddamudda. He maintained his course as his stablemate posted a :47.33 opening half-mile, but was in 7th after Napa made an early move past him in the turn.
Still hugging the rail, the Crossing The Rubicon gelding was content with the way things were unfolding as he continued to sit in 7th as the leaders went three-quarters in 1:11.23. He appeared to be gathering momentum while shifting off of the rail as they entered the bend for home; however, jockey L. Saez boldly took him from the four-path back to the rail as they completed the turn. The bold move paid off for Ey Mon as he entered the stretch in 3rd and only a couple lengths behind Bruddafrmanuddamudda.
Ey Mon made the pass just inside the furlong-marker and was able to edge a length clear of Gendarmerie by the time he stopped the clock in 2:01.75. State General found his best stride a bit too late and was only beat a nose for the runner-up honors as Gendarmerie got the bob. Bruddafrmanuddamudda gamely kept to his task and was only beaten two lengths while fourth. Chancellor, Fistfight At Dawn, Brave Freedom, Puissance de La Mer, Grouse Mountain, Napa, Declassified Agent, and The Generals Quest completed the order of finish.
Congratulations to Ey Mon and Arindel on their Queens Plate victory and good luck to them going down whichever path they choose.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
